Rolls-Royce names new CEO

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today announced that Torsten Mueller will take over as chief executive officer of the luxury carmaker.

Mueller is assuming the role at the end of March from Tom Purves, who will retire after 25 years service with the BMW Group.

During his more than 20 years with the group, Mueller has held a number of management positions in the sales and marketing division and was instrumental in brand and product management for MINI between 2000 and 2003, the company said in a release today.

Mueller successfully re-launched the MINI brand and internationally re-established the quintessentially British marquee as the first premium small car brand.

In 2004 he assumed responsibility for central marketing and brand management at BMW. Mueller has been running BMW global product management since April 2008, as well as parts of its after-sales business.

“Torsten has many years of solid experience in the fields of brand and product management as well as marketing,” said Ian Roberson, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chairman. “He is the perfect candidate to lead Rolls-Royce Motor Cars into a period of expansion – having not only a successful track record as a manager, but also a feel for the unique attributes of a traditional brand.”

Robertson also took the opportunity to thank Tom Purves, calling him “extremely valuable” in the success of Rolls-Royce over the years.

“He has successfully overseen the launch of our new Ghost model series and hands over the helm of a company in excellent shape for the future. I wish him the very best for a well-deserved retirement,” Robertson added in the statement.

Purves called working for the luxury firm a “privilege and an honour,” saying it is special to retire after having headed the company.

“I have every confidence in the future success of the company in the hands of its new CEO,” he said.